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Content Benchmark L.8.A.2
Students know changes in genes of eggs and sperm can cause changes in inherited
characteristics. E/S
Sample Test Questions
1st Item Specification: Know about inheritance, nature of mutations, and genetic
variation.
Depth of Knowledge Level 1
1. The cells involved in sexual reproduction are known as
A. body and daughter cells.
B. egg and sperm cells.
C. alleles.
D. chromosomes.
2. A change in genetic material that produces variation within a species is a
A. mutation.
B. translation.
C. transcription.
D. replication.
3. Substances that cause mutations are known as
A. agents.
B. operons.
C. mutants.
D. mutagens.
4. Most mutations that occur cause a
A. neutral effect.
B. positive effect.
C. negative effect.
D. drastic effect.
Depth of Knowledge Level 2
5. If a human egg cell with 24 chromosomes is fertilized by a sperm cell containing 23
chromosomes, what will be the result? The offspring will
A. resemble the mother more than the father.
B. resemble the father more than the mother.
C. inherit a disorder due to the extra chromosome.
D. inherit a disorder due to a missing chromosome.
6. The offspring of an insect is born with bright colors that mimic a similar poisonous
species. This is an example of a(n)
A. neutral mutation.
B. harmful mutation.
C. adaptive mutation.
D. beneficial mutation.
7. Which of the following is an observable example of evolution occurring due to
mutations?
A. Spontaneously generated organisms
B. Antibiotic resistant bacteria
C. Erosion of landforms
D. Fossil evidence from dinosaurs
2nd Item Specification: Recognize that in sexual reproduction, mutations only get
passed to the next generation when they occur in sex cells.
Depth of Knowledge Level 1
8. In order for a mutation to be passed from one generation to the next, the mutation
must be present in which of these cells?
A. Skin cell
B. Blood cell
C. Heart cell
D. Sperm cell
9. How many chromosomes are found in a normal human sex cell?
A. 46
B. 40
C. 23
D. 20
Depth of Knowledge Level 2
10. Mutations are considered the basis of evolution because they
A. occur in body cells instead of sex cells.
B. are only passed along if they are beneficial.
C. are unimportant unless the environment changes.
D. result in genetic variation among organisms.
11. According to the theory of evolution, variations within a species are most likely the
result of which of the following?
A. Sexual reproduction and cell division
B. Sexual reproduction and mutations
C. Asexual reproduction and acquired characteristics
D. Asexual reproduction and overpopulation
Constructed Response Question L.8.A.2
Imagine that you are a doctor and you need to give the following patient advice.
A pregnant mother is diagnosed with skin cancer and concerned that her child will be
born with skin cancer.
a. Use your knowledge of mutations and inheritance to give a detailed explanation to
the mother why the baby will or will not be born with skin cancer.
b. Provide the mother with a reason for how she may have developed skin cancer
and give advice on how to prevent skin cancer in the future.
Content Benchmark L.8.A.2
Students know changes in genes of eggs and sperm can cause changes in inherited
characteristics. E/S
Answers to Sample Test Questions
1. B, DOK Level 1
2. A, DOK Level 1
3. D, DOK Level 1
4. A, DOK Level 1
5. C, DOK Level 2
6. D, DOK Level 2
7. B, DOK Level 2
8. D, DOK Level 1
9. C, DOK Level 1
10. D, DOK Level 2
11. B, DOK Level 2
Constructed Response L.8.A.2 Score Rubric:
Response addresses all parts of the question clearly and correctly.
3 Points
Student needs to recognize that skin cancer is caused by a mutation in a
body (skin) cell, not a sex cell. In order for a mutation to be passed from
the parent to the offspring, the mutation must be present in a sex (egg or
sperm) cell. Even though the baby will not be born with skin cancer, the
baby may have inherited a skin type that is prone to skin cancer. The
mother should be aware of mutagens that cause skin cancer, such as
overexposure to UV light. In order to protect herself and her baby, she
should use sunscreen and limit her time in direct sunlight.
2 Points
Response addresses all parts of the question and includes only minor
errors.
1 Point
Response does not address all parts of the question or the response
addresses all parts of the question, but includes major errors.
0 Points
The response is totally incorrect or no response.